Punches of Green

Peaceful Resources

Irwin Weiner ASID - I'm not alone thinking that this winter weather is going on far too long! It's time for spring, and so when we spotted this great video from Traditional Home - the iconic design magazine and style arbiter - we took heart that if we decorate with touches, splashes, and punches of green (any more decorating color nouns I might have missed?), we'll harken the advent of our favorite season. Just a few more weeks, and we'll get the real deal; in the meantime, enjoy TH's survey of top designers and showhouse rooms that use green.

Green furniture, anyone? These make us think spring, too!

 Alain Gilles for Qui Est Paul

Nusa Jelenec for Lago 

Rafael Simoes Miranda

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Kids Design from Charles and Ray Eames

Vitra

Irwin Weiner ASID - Once upon a time, there was a king and queen and they ruled the Land of Design. His name was Charles and hers was Ray (really Bernice Alexandra), and Charles and Ray Eames made the land beautiful with their artistic design and imaginative use of new materials.

Of course this is not a fairy tale, but Charles and Ray Eames had a profound effect on design and had a great marriage in more ways than one - Ray's art background and Charles training as an architect blended beautifully in many products. Little known is their Colouring Toy, a nifty art and coloring set that wedding their mid-century sensibilities for bold line, pattern, and shape. Watch this quick video and you'll see how the rulers of design - they even showed off new chairs to the masses on the Today Show, and who's doing that in furniture making these days! - conquered little tykes, too.

While we're dwelling on the kiddies, here are some Eames children's furniture and accessories that endure. Click on each photo for more information.

 

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Art Tour: Dennis Hopper

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - My partner and I went to Vienna several years ago and saw an amazing art exhibit of works by artist/actor Dennis Hopper. We came away astounded that this man could tackle basically any kind of artistic project - not to mention movie acting. His photographs, large-scale paintings, collages, sculptures, and other works had great energy and color sense. And they were beautifully executed. He wasn't a "sprinkle paint on a canvas" kind of guy.

So no surprise when we found this video interview of Hopper, now deceased, talking about his extensive art collection. He began collecting in the 1950s and selected works that "he got," works that added to his understanding of himself and the world, defining and challenging him. I was particularly touched by his reference to only being a "steward" of these works of art, that with our ephemeral humanity, we can only take good care of art as long as we are alive.

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Leo Dowell Chateau

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Irwin Weiner ASID - It's wonderful when an interior designer has a special niche and becomes known for a particular look or home style. My IWI interiors tend to be classic, tailored, fresh, architecture-respecting flights of whimsy - all with good value and my clients' personalities woven in. Charlotte, NC designer Leo Dowell has a distinctive niche that he fills - French Country and European Country style, heavy on the "chateau" and imaginative use of Old World materials. Let's join Leo as he takes us on a tour of one of his new homes, a 15,000 square foot new construction residence.

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